Death of a Waterfall (The Hayden Falls Saga) by Kara Leigh Miller Page A

causing her to stop as well. "Everything you do, every decision you make, is made for them."
    "It's easier that way." Teghan lowered her head.
    Donnie raised her chin with his finger. "Easier for who?"
    She stared at him for a moment. "Why do you care so much?"
    "I like you, Teghan." Donnie pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. "You're special and you deserve to have so much more than you're allowing yourself."
    "I like you too," she whispered as he brought his lips down to hers. Despite her better judgment, she let Donnie kiss her. It was a kiss she desperately wanted, a kiss she'd fantasized about since the last one, but it was also a kiss she knew would lead to something more. Her eyes fluttered closed at the feel of his tongue invading her mouth. She broke away and stepped back from him. "I'm sorry, but I can't get involved with you."
    "I'm really tired of you pushing me away," Donnie said.
    "I'm sorry," Teghan repeated.
    "What about Saturday night? What if that fire alarm hadn't gone off when it did?"
    She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him. "We both know what would've happened. I don't need to spell it out for you."
    Donnie shook his head. "I'm not asking you to spell it out for me. I'm asking what would've happened if we had done it."
    "Nothing, Donnie." But that wasn't the truth and she knew it. She liked him. She wanted to go out with him, and the more time she spent with him, the less she cared what Alex or her father thought. Yet, she was scared of the emotions Donnie invoked in her, and she was scared of what her father would think of him.
    "Do you make it a habit of having sex with guys you barely know?"
    "Don't be ridiculous," she snapped. She'd never had "just sex" with anyone before. It sickened her to think that was the impression she gave him.
    "I'm sorry," he said. "It just doesn't make sense that you were willing to have sex with me, but you're not willing to go out with me."
    Teghan watched Donnie run his fingers through his hair, leaving it tousled. It wouldn't be so hard to stand up to her father again, would it? Alex would be hurt, but the deal he'd made with her father was still good--that much had been proven. She gently brushed a strand from his forehead and smiled, her hand lingering near his face.
    Donnie reached up, cupped his hand over hers, and pressed it to his cheek. "Alex doesn't have to know," he whispered.
    Could she be with Donnie and not have to hurt Alex again? Was it possible? "Are you serious?" Her voice cracked slightly.
    "Yes." He chuckled. "There's no reason we can't see each other. And there's no reason Alex has to know."
    She licked her lips. His eyes were so intense it frightened her. "I'm not sure I like the idea of lying to him."
    "I'm the one that's going to have to lie to him." Donnie removed their hands from his face, and pulled her close.
    She really hated her conscience sometimes. It continued to nag at her, screaming for her not to do it. The rest of her though, considered his proposition for all of half a second. "And you swear to me you won't tell him?"
    "It'll be our dirty little secret." He smiled.
    ~ * ~
    Teghan pretended to be sick so she could get out of going to the fraternity party with Annabelle, Harmonie, and Logan. Annabelle knew the truth because it was impossible for Teghan to lie to her. And as expected, Annabelle warned her that it was a bad idea. But Teghan just didn't care. She was too excited. It was Teghan and Donnie's first official date, and they'd agreed to travel to the next county to avoid the risk of running into someone she knew. Although she would've preferred to have him pick her up, it was safer to meet him at the restaurant.
    She climbed out of her car and walked the short distance to the entrance of the Blue Fonce Bistro. Brick walls illuminated by dim blue lights gave the small interior a cozy feeling. Framed photographs and paintings of the French countryside adorned the walls. A dozen black wrought iron tables